Coaches play a pivotal role in the development of all young athletes, and this was recognised by the awards.  The Individual Coach category acknowledged the coaches who spend many hours preparing the athletes to qualify for the UK School Games, while the Team Coach award was in recognition of the coaches who prepare the athletes at the UK School Games.

Guest speaker Andy Banks, coach of Olympic diver Tom Daley, announced the winners and also shared his coaching experience, providing an interesting insight to the fellow coaches gathered at the presentation.

The UK School Games has grown since the inaugural event in Glasgow in 2006 and increased to nine sports, integrating three disability events, in 2008.

For every athlete that competes, sports coaching is central to developing, sustaining and increasing participation in sport. Effective coaches guide children, players, athletes and disabled people to follow their dreams, have fun and fulfil their sporting potential.

Responsibility for the development and organisation of the UK School Games lies with the Youth Sport Trust.